Game 58: Yankees vs. Orioles

As the Nationals and Pirates get ready to host Stephen Strasburg’s debutant ball in Washington, the Yankees and Orioles will be playing just 35 miles down the road in Baltimore. Judging by the size of the shadow cast by Strasburg’s long anticipated unveiling, however, you’d think the game was being played light years away.

Amid much less fanfare, the Yankees will be sending their own young phenom to the mound. Still only 23 years old, Phil Hughes seeks to improve upon his breakout 2010 campaign by facing a struggling Orioles team that just recently snapped a 10-game losing streak. Hughes has already faced the Orioles on two occasions during the early season, surrendering two earned runs in 12 2/3 innings. In total, his 7-1 record tops the American League in winning percentage while his 2.54 ERA ranks fifth. It may have taken a little longer than hoped, but the Yankees first round selection in the 2004 draft seems to finally be paying off with results that even Strasburg would be proud to own.

Hughes’ mound opponent this evening is Kevin Millwood. Although not drafted until the 11th round in 1993, Millwood was once himself a hot young pitcher who won 40 games before the age of 25. Now, he finds himself pitching solidly as a journeyman, but winless nonetheless because of the poor performance of his ballclub.

After being swept by the Yankees last week in New York, the Orioles’ poor start finally cost manager Dave Trembley his job. It remains to be seen whether interim manager Juan Samuel can lead the Birds to a respectable finish over the remainder of the season, but at least for the next three games, the Yankees hope it’s business as usual.

The Yankees will play over half of their remaining games in June against last place teams, so this upcoming series in Baltimore marks the beginning of a stretch during which they can make some headway in the division. Of course, the Yankees still have to play…and win…the games. So, while most of the baseball world will be watching the spectacle played just to the south, the Yankees full attention will need to be on the task at hand.